HAMILTON – Jeremiah Masoli is a man of few words who only wants to do his job.

Right now that would be starting quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a position he acquired midway through the final regular-season game last year, carried through the playoffs, and now takes into Hamilton’s home opener against the B.C. Lions on Friday at Tim Hortons Field.

“I’m playing the game” said Masoli, who passed for 318 yards and three touchdowns in Hamilton’s 42-20 road win over the Toronto Argonauts last week. “I’m getting on the field and that’s all that matters right now.”

He has been referred to as “interim starter” in some media reports, due to the impending return of Zach Collaros from a season-ending knee injury last September. But the stocky 27-year-old (five-foot-10, 228 pounds), who had to climb his way off the practice roster and fourth on the depth chart last year, blocks out all that noise.

“I’m a quarterback and I’m trying to win a football game,” said the fifth-year veteran (four with the Ticats) when asked if he gives any thought to the return of Collaros. “What is that going to do for me, if I just start thinking about that, right? It’s a waste of energy, really.”

Hamilton’s season-opening win showcased what are expected to be Ticats’ strengths this season. Andy Fantuz (99 yards) and Chad Owens (67 yards) each scored touchdowns. Linebacker Simoni Lawrence recorded two sacks, one interception, and a fumble recovery while John Chick forced a fumble.

The Ticats will be getting back CFL all-star defensive tackle Ted Laurent and wide receiver Tiquan Underwood, who both missed last week with injuries. But they lose receiver Terrence Toliver to the six-game injured list.

B.C. comes to Tim Hortons Field after a come-from-behind 20-18 win over Calgary that was highlighted by a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown by Chris Rainey in the fourth quarter that gave the Lions their first lead of the game.

Sophomore quarterback Jon Jennings completed 24-of-42 pass attempts for 248 yards but zero TDs. Jeremiah Johnson rushed for 44 yards. Adam Bighill led the defence with nine tackles and a sack.

One thing the Lions will have to fix quickly is special teams protection. Calgary blocked three B.C. punts in Week 1.

Masoli, who spent two years at Oregon before finishing his college at Ole Miss, now has a 2-1 record since taking over the starting job. He has thrown for 808 yards, six TDs and two interceptions in those three games.

Instead of looking for opportunity elsewhere, Masoli stuck it out in Hamilton climbing out of fourth spot on the depth chart late last season to take the reins midway through the final regular-season game and has been the starter ever since.

With Collaros (knee) and Jeff Mathews (concussion) out with injuries, Jacory Harris initially got the start against Ottawa in that final game, but was ineffective and pulled early in the second quarter with the Ticats down 17-0. Hamilton went on to lose 44-28, but Masoli’s play (11-of-21 for 148 yards and one TD) was enough to get another start.

Masoli led Hamilton to victory over Toronto in the Eastern semifinal before the Ticats lost the East Final in Ottawa.

“It’s not just how he’s playing right now, and how he ended the year last year, it’s more than that,” said Ticat head coach and VP of football operations Kent Austin. “He’s very close with his teammates. He’s very, very unselfish. What he’s gone through and hanging in there and his perseverance. He wants to be here. He didn’t want to go other places. Players see that. They respond to that.”